Back in January, SLAM had the chance to speak with former University of Pittsburgh commit Jaylen Bond. In the months since then, the 2010-11 Pennsylvania Class AAAA Player of the Year chose to de-commit from Pitt. But Bond had a great back up plan in store. He’ll now play for St. Thomas More School in Middletown, CT, the same St. Thomas More School that boasts class of 2012 top-ranked center, Andre Drummond.

Before suiting up for St. Thomas More, the 18-year old Bond will travel to Europe to play for the Skoolz USA-Select Team during July 6-11. The Plymouth Whitemarsh High School grad is looking to soak up every opportunity of playing experience to polish his skills and make himself a better player going into the fall of 2011. His tenacity is admirable.

SLAM: Why did you de-commit from Pittsburgh?

Jaylen Bond: Basically, just to work on my perimeter game for another season. Hopefully that would help make me an impact player in my first year of college. I just wanted to get another year of development in before my freshman year, so I’ll have a better chance of impacting a team in year one.

SLAM: What did Coach (Jamie) Dixon advise you?

JB: He wanted me to stay committed to Pittsburgh, but he understood my decision completely. But he also wanted me to continue to work hard on my perimeter skills.

SLAM: Besides perimeter play, what are some other things you hope to improve upon during your time at St. Thomas More?

JB: I’m looking to improve my all-around basketball IQ. I just want to become an all-around better player.

SLAM: Since opening up recruitment again, what other schools have contacted you about playing for them in the future?

JB: I’ve heard from Tennessee, Maryland, Temple, and St. Joseph’s to name a few. Some others have spoken to my family so I’m not sure of all the schools interested in me.

SLAM: Would you be open to going to another state? And is there a chance that you will sign with Pitt again?

JB: Yeah, I’m open to the whole playing out of state option right now. And I’m not sure about re-signing with Pitt. I like the school and the campus, so it is a possibility.

SLAM: How did you feel about being selected to the Skoolz Classic USA-Select Team?

JB: It was great to get the achievement. I’m definitely honored to be a part of this program. I’m hoping to play my best, and get my name out there while I’m overseas. I’m going to play hard, and hopefully we’ll win our games.

Poor Kevin Raymond. In the first quarter of his first varsity game, the 5-5 sophomore PG hustled his ass off down the court to take a fast-break charge. When he got into position, all he could do was duck to avoid the knee of 6-8, 230-pound Jaylen Bond. Bond, who will play combo forward for Jamie Dixon and the Pittsburgh Panthers next season, walked on air with seven seconds left in the quarter. The rest was down hill for little Raymond and his Central Bucks South Titans.

Plymouth Whitemarsh, the reigning Pennsylvania state champs, started their regular season right on December 10, winning in decided fashion, 78-40.